Nanny Tip 02/19/08

I am always on the lookout for a snack for kids that fits the following criteria: portable, nutritious, fairly inexpensive and something the kids will actually eat. I was recently introduced to something that is almost perfect: Clif Kid Z-bars. These things are packed with awesome ingredients and best of all, they actually taste good so kids will eat them. The mess factor is super low. Also the kids think they are getting a treat when you hand them the Chocolate Brownie Bar and little do they know that they are eating organic fig paste. :) My only complaint is that there is not a ton of protein in them but with the whole oats, it keeps them going until the next meal.

The best deal in town that I have found so far is at Whole Foods. A box of six costs $2.99. Not too bad! They are also sold at Target. I haven't checked other grocery stores but the next time I do a Sam's run, I will definately price shop them there.

Must Do's for 2/1-2/3

Here are a couple of things that have caught my eye this weekend that are definate musts for the upcoming weekend in C'ville with kids.

1. Dangerous Boys Club: This is being held at Barnes and Noble in Barracks Road on Saturday at 2 PM. Free to attend which is always a good thing. More info here.
2. Hannah Montana Concert in 3D: An absolute for anyone that has girls in their house. Shows start on Friday and it is playing the Carmike Six next to ACAC in Albemarle Square. It will only be here for 1 week so don't miss out!

Nanny Tip 01/30/08

With two kids still in boosters, I eagerly look forward to the day when we can all be in seat belts alone.

But when are they the correct size to move them to seat belts only?

Here in Virginia, the current law is 8 years or 80 lbs. However, we have an 8 1/2 year old and we haven't moved her out of her booster yet. So I went online today and did some research to find out what the "official" guidelines are. Here is a link to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site. Their current suggestion is that children stay in a booster seat until they are 4'9". This ensures that the seat belt is properly aligned over their hips and against their shoulders. So that means that until we get a growth spurt, the 8 year old may still be in her booster when she turns 9. That also means that any children that I may be caring for will also be in booster seats until they reach the magic height. It may not be fun but they will be safe!